CHICAGO (AP) — Another Illinois politician will learn if he’s going to prison, in this case, for pocketing a $7,000 bribe.
Lawyers for former state Rep. Derrick Smith want a federal judge Thursday to spare him prison time. Prosecutors want the 51-year-old Chicago Democrat imprisoned for around five years.
Smith’s 2012 indictment led to his expulsion from the House. He won his seat back in a general election before his 2014 conviction triggered his expulsion again.
Smith’s attorneys mention Democrat Rod Blagojevich and Republican George Ryan in a pre-sentencing filing. The ex-governors are on the long list of Illinois pols convicted of corruption. The filing says Smith’s alleged crimes pale in comparison.
Prosecutors say Smith accepted 70 $100 bills for supporting a state grant for a day care center in a federal sting.
